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Query: UMLS:C0014118 (endocarditis)
 15,629 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The directional analysis of contrast echographic flow lines is routinely used for tricuspid insufficiency diagnosis. The value of this noninvasive technique for the assessment of pulmonic regurgitation is not yet established. Therefore we evaluated the contrast M-mode echocardiograms at the pulmonary valve in 55 patients. Echographic contrast was obtained by injection of 6-8 ml of indocyanin-saline solution into an antecubital vein. In all 5 patients with documented pulmonic insufficiency (3 patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot, one with pulmonic endocarditis, one posttraumatic) typical diastolic retrograde directed flow lines crossing the pulmonary valve were recorded. In addition, 6 of 18 patients with primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension exhibited early to middiastolic retrograde flow lines at the pulmonary valve. In contrast, none of the normals (N = 13), and none of 19 patients with various cardiac diseases but unaffected pulmonary valve and normal pulmonary artery pressure, had contrast echographic evidence of pulmonary insufficiency. There were distinctive differences between the contrast flow patterns of the patients with organic pulmonary insufficiency and patients with functional pulmonic regurgitation due to pulmonary hypertension. It is concluded that the directional analysis of contrast echographic flow lines at the pulmonary valve allows a sensitive assessment of pulmonary regurgitation using standard echocardiographic equipment.
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PMID:[Value of contrast echocardiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary valve insufficiency]. 409 May 81

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is an alternative to surgical valvotomy for congenital pulmonary valve stenosis. Between 1985 and 1997, 73 valvuloplasties were performed in 70 patients, age range 1 day to 24.7 years. We reviewed the short- and long-term results in regard to transvalvular gradient and pulmonary insufficiency. The gradient was measured pre- and immediately post-valvuloplasty at catheterization and by Doppler echocardiography, and by echocardiography only at follow-up. Valvuloplasty was successful in 61/70 patients whereas surgical valvotomy was necessary in 9/70 because of a very dysplastic valve. A second valvuloplasty was performed in 3 patients presenting with restenosis. A 60% decrease in the gradient was noted immediately after the procedure, from 78.3 +/- 24.5 to 33.7 +/- 19.7 mm Hg (p < 0.05). A follow-up of more than 2 years (4.2 +/- 2.2 years) was obtained in 35 patients. A further decrease in the gradient was noted, to 20 +/- 12 mm Hg, and the degree of pulmonary insufficiency was mild in all patients except 2 with a moderate leak. The mortality was 0% and only 1 patient had a complication (endocarditis). The short- and long-term results of pulmonary percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty are excellent. It can be considered the therapy of choice. The gradient shows a further decrease during follow-up due to regression of the infundibular muscular stenosis. Failure is attributed to very dysplastic valves and these patients may require, in a second stage, a surgical approach (patch enlargement and/or valvulectomy).
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PMID:[Short and long term results of pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty in children]. 958

Four males aged 20-37 years (three drug addicts and one with a congenital mixed pulmonary valve lesion) were diagnosed in 1989, 1991 and 1993 with pulmonary valve endocarditis without tricuspid infection. Three patients were positive for hepatitis B, C or both, and one patient was HIV-positive. The predominant organism in blood cultures was Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic treatment of pulmonary valve endocarditis had failed; thus partial or total valvectomies were performed. Postoperatively, all patients were cured of infection and initial recovery was good. At mid-term follow up (5-10 years) there were no recurrences, and tolerance of the resultant pulmonary insufficiency was good. Slight to severe tricuspid valve insufficiency developed, together with right ventricular dilatation, in all cases. Hepatomegaly was apparent in two cases and peripheral edema in one. Despite treatment, the latter patient remained in moderate right ventricular failure, and may require homograft valve replacement. The other three patients remained in good clinical condition. Eradication of the infection was achieved in all patients. It is concluded that pulmonary valve resection is the treatment of choice for pulmonary valve endocarditis when antibiotic treatment has failed. Complete resection of all affected tissue should be performed in these cases. Analysis of preoperative data did not permit differentiation of those patients likely to develop right heart failure.
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PMID:Pulmonary valve endocarditis: mid-term follow up of pulmonary valvectomies. 1088 91